The dedicated Stargate fandom has played a pivotal role in bringing the franchise back to life, culminating in a new TV series from Amazon set to film in London. Through online communities, oral histories, and conventions like Gatecon, fans have sustained the show's legacy since its original run ended in 2007. This passion has ensured Stargate remains a vibrant shared experience across generations.
Stargate: SG-1 concluded its run on the Sci-Fi Channel with its final episode on June 22, 2007, but the series did not fade away. Fans preserved its spirit through dedicated platforms and events, paving the way for Amazon's upcoming Stargate TV show, which is preparing for production in London.
Online hubs like GateWorld, curated by Darren Sumner, served as a central repository for news, history, and fan enthusiasm. David Read's Dial the Gate project on YouTube offered candid reflections from cast and crew, fostering deeper connections. In-person gatherings, particularly Gatecon, embodied this community. Organized by fans including Kathryn Rogers, Allan Gowen, and Richard Pasco, Gatecon began in 2000 after initial online collaborations in 1998 via sites like Stargate Command and Ausgate. The team secured support from Vancouver's Bridge Studios following a persistent email campaign, leading to annual events from 2000 to 2010, with revivals in 2016, 2018, and September 2022.
These conventions emphasized accessibility and charity, raising funds for organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis through auctions and interactions. Fryn Rogers noted how relationships with cast members evolved, creating a casual environment where actors mingled freely with attendees.
Cast members praised the fandom's warmth. Ronny Cox, who played Senator Kinsey, described European Stargate fans as exceptionally supportive during his musical performances, calling them "the best fans for the music that I ever encountered." Cliff Simon, portraying Baal, highlighted the joy of meeting viewers at conventions, gaining feedback absent in typical TV work. Joseph Mallozzi, co-executive producer, acknowledged fans' passion as a double-edged sword—enthusiastic yet vocal about changes, as seen in the 2002 'Save Daniel Jackson' campaign after Michael Shanks' departure.
This enduring camaraderie, spanning generations and borders, has kept Stargate relevant. As Christopher Judge, who played Teal'c, observed, the show bonded families across ages, a rarity in modern viewing. The fandom's efforts, amplified by campaigns like #WeWantStargate, directly influenced the new series' development.
